At the sidelines of the MG Majestor’s recent unveil, the manufacturer revealed its plans to bring six new models in India, one of them being a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. Codenamed ‘520’, the upcoming SUV is expected to be based on the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV, a test mule of which has been spied for the first time on our shores.
- India launch likely by October 2026.
- Likely to be positioned as a rival to the XUV 7XO and Safari.
Upcoming MG ‘520’ PHEV spied: What could be seen?
LED headlights, grille and alloy wheel design can be spotted
The spy shots reveal a sleek dual-pod projector LED headlight design with LED DRLs above and under it and a honeycomb mesh grille design, both of which very similar to the Wuling Starlight PHEV. Notably, such a grille is replaced with a blanked-off portion in the Starlight EV. A front camera module and a radar-based ADAS sensor can also be seen.
An air dam on the lower portion of the bumper and dual-tone alloy wheels are also visible. While the rear is heavily camouflaged, the contours hint at a wraparound tail light setup, similar to the Starlight PHEV. A roof-mounted spoiler, rear wiper and roof rails can also be seen.
Upcoming MG ‘520’ PHEV: Interior and features
International-spec model gets a minimalistic dashboard with dual screens
The Wuling Starlight is available as a three-row SUV overseas and offers a minimalistic dashboard layout with a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display and a 2-spoke steering wheel. The AC controls are integrated into the infotainment screen, while the only buttons are on the steering wheel, a thin strip on the centre console and door armrests. Other features include a six-speaker audio system and automatic climate control.
Upcoming MG ‘520’ PHEV: Expected powertrains
Will be offered in India in both PHEV and EV iterations
While details of the India-spec model are yet to be revealed, the Wuling Starlight is available in both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) avatars. In international markets, the PHEV is powered by a 106hp 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with a 20.5kWh battery pack that powers the front wheels, taking the total system output to 197hp and 230Nm. As per the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the PHEV has a claimed all-electric range of 100km, and a total claimed range of 1,100km. As per the manufacturer, it is claimed to have a 0-100kph time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 170kph.
The EV version has a 56.7kWh battery pack that is mated with a front-axle mounted electric motor that produces 136hp and 200Nm. As per CLTC, it has a claimed range of 500km. The India-spec models are likely to have similar powertrain specifications.
As seen with other MG offerings that have a trend to be offered with a highly competitive price tag, the upcoming 560 PHEV and EV are expected to be priced aggressively. The PHEV version is likely to rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari, while the EV iteration is likely to lock horns with the Mahindra XEV 9S. It will go on sale in India by October 2026.
